oooOOOoooOOOooo Chapter 26
Harry floated through the afternoon in a haze of wonder and gratefulness. They said yes. They really said yes. Then, his lads did their first bit of magic. Harry winced and grinned at the thought of all of it being caught on camera. He wasn't getting out of that for the rest of the night. Jean Claude made sure of it.
Harry hurried to the bottom of the staircase, where he'd had been told to wait for his loves. The girls were each going to get their own reveal on camera. They deserved to see that look of love aimed only at them on this special night.
Harry paced nervously as everyone except for the three mothers and the two daughters arrived. All of the ladies had their turn to appear for their gentlemen with the appropriate reaction from one and all. The twins didn't even hide the fact that they were both tongue-tied by Angelina. Everyone was too caught up in their own shenanigans to notice. The photographer still captured it though.
Finally, the three mothers came out together and walked in a proud line down the stairs, their makeup and hair pristine. They looked fabulous in their coordinated outfits, thanks to Harry.
Their husbands hurried forward to help their beautiful ladies down the steps. They were downright radiant right now. They curled up as couples and turned to watch Harry approach the stairs. Gabrielle came down first.
Harry was dazed as he watched the angel that had been gifted to him float down the stairs. She wore an emerald gown under her basilisk hide cloak. The colors were perfectly coordinated as were the thick basilisk hide belt around her waist and the sensible shoes she wore on her feet.
Harry stumbled forward like he was magnetically pulled. He tried to ask her if he could escort her but instead he stuttered out a barely audible, "Please?"
Gabrielle giggled and put her hand in his. "Absolument," said Gabrielle. She couldn't take her eyes off of Harry, either. He looked so dashing in a suit made entirely of basilisk hide with a cloak of the same. His boots finished off the outfit which was a striking dark gray with a forest green and white pattern running down the seams. His boots and his cloak were a green that matched his eyes exactly. His eyes stood out like lasers thanks to the complimenting colors.
They hugged and whispered to one another for a moment, promising things that no one else needed to hear.
"Look, mon ami," Gabrielle said while she turned, her breath taken completely away by a gorgeous Hermione.
Harry turned and literally gasped to see his best friend stepping forward as the most beautiful of them all. Her usually thick, bushy hair was a thick cascade of loose curls. Her caramel skin glowed against the mint green of her gown, the flowing bodice was captured in a basilisk hide underbust corset. Her simple ballet flats were made of thin basilisk hide that would protect her feet more thoroughly than if the shoes were made of steel. She practically danced forward and she moved towards Harry and Gabrielle, who moved forward to meet her. They each took one of her hands, helping her down the stairs. Their eyes fixed on Hermione. For once, she felt like the most beautiful person in the room.
The thrupple cuddled together for a moment before they turned back to the group. They didn't let go of Hermione's hands.
"Let me lead the way to the receiving room. We will receive our guests together. Harry, please stand on my other side. This will show you my support. Let us go," said Jean Claude.
He led the way into the room, proud to lead this procession of people. They lined up, making quite the long line. Each person would be able to greet the guests as they moved through. Harry had no idea what he was in for.
Two hours later, Harry felt like he would choke if he ever had to say his own name again. His hand ached from shaking. The only good thing about it was that everyone congratulated him on his engagement. The girls blushed and giggled, showing off their rings every time. It was adorable.
Finally everyone came in. Jean Claude turned to the tired people and said. "Buck up. The fun is just starting. We just have one more duty and we can dance, drink, and mingle to our hearts' content. Except you, Harry. You'll need to stay with me. I want to begin pleading your case for asylum and for the inclusion of your houses in France."
Harry sighed. He hated things like this. He looked at Hermione and Gabrielle pleadingly.
"We'll stay with you, Harry," promised Hermione.
"We'll help you remember everyone and all of the things they already said," promised Gabrielle.
Harry relaxed a little.
"Now, just a quick speech and we will be done. Please, everyone, join me on the dias in the center of the room. You will be seated with me at the head table tonight. Harry, Hermione, Gabrielle, please stand beside me. I will have much to say about all of you," said Jean Claude with a smile.
Everyone walked together up to the dias. The entire crowd stood and clapped for them as they walked down the long purple carpet towards the dias. Hermione and Gabrielle's favorite flowers filled the room in beautiful centerpieces on each table. The photographer took dozens of photographs of them as they walked regally down the aisle. They stood together for a moment on the dias for a picture all together before everyone took their seats except for Jean Claude, Harry, Hermione, and Gabrielle.
Harry looked like he wanted to be anywhere else when he looked at the crowd and like there was nowhere else he'd rather be when he looked at the girls. Everyone laughed when they noticed.
Jean Claude smiled and turned to the crowd. He started to speak. "Ladies and gentlewizards, thank you for joining us all here tonight as we celebrate something special. My daughter, Lady Gabrielle Delacour has become betrothed to two magicals who have won not only her heart but my own. Please, let me introduce you to my daughter and her betrotheds, Lady Gabrielle Delacour, Lady Hermione Dagworth Granger Ravenclaw, and Lord Harry Potter Black Slytherin Gryffindor Peverell," Jean Claude said waving at the thrupple. Harry stood in the middle, his hands gripping the girls and his eyes staring at the ground, unsure of where else to look.
Harry didn't know what he was doing, making a fool of himself like this. These girls would never love him. No one would. He wasn't worthy of love. He was a freak. An abomination. All he could ever do would be to get the people he loved killed.
A cold thrill of fear ran through Harry. He knew this feeling. He screamed.
"Dementors!"
Jean Claude shook out of his morose thoughts in terror as four dementors flew into the room. People screamed and scrambled away. The four aurors present to provide security were being crushed in the terror filled stampede of the helpless people.
Harry watched in horror as one of the dementors lowered its face over a child that had been separated from their parents. Harry wouldn't stand for it. He didn't think of anything other than the love he felt for his family and his ladies here with him and his anger at these bastards raining on his one truly perfect day.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Harry bellowed with all his might. A four meter (12 foot) tall stag burst out of his wand and stampeded angrily around the room. The dementors scattered but couldn't be saved as the raging stag grabbed them one by one from the air and threw them to the ground, to be trampled under what looked like solid silver hooves.
Harry growled his love and his rage, two feelings that were extremely close together, into the room as his patronus literally destroyed the dementors that had dared attempt to harm Harry's family. He wouldn't stand for it.
Harry pushed with one final burst as the stag stamped the final dementor to the ground. Harry let his wand fall. The patronus circled the room one final time, checking for any other threats before it returned to Harry.
The stag turned its head side to side, curiously studying the ladies standing beside Harry, with their hands pressed to his back, holding him up now that the danger had passed. The stag snorted in approval and headbutted Harry gently, turning to a mere wisp as it rested its head against his.
Everyone was deadly silent for a moment. Nothing like this had ever happened in recorded history in France. Harry couldn't focus on it. He was so dizzy, he felt like he would faint.
"Dizzy. Get me out of here," he begged. His ladies didn't hesitate. They hurried Harry towards the entrance to the room.
Suddenly, Harry jumped up from his slumped position and used his cloak to bat something away, hard. He sent a returning spell on the thing with all his might, meaning to return the suddenly thrown item back at the person who sent it. Instead, the item hit an innocent auror who had managed to make his way to stand guard over Harry and his group. The man disappeared with a pop.
Harry growled and screamed. "Stop trying to ruin my ladies' special day!"
The auror reappeared with a pop a moment later, with a short squat woman dressed from head to toe in bubble gum pink. She screamed.
"Let me go! You cannot kidnap the Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic!"
People all over the room gasped. Dolores Umbridge looked up and saw Harry. She tried to grab him. Harry spun out of her grip, pulling his ladies with him and pushing them behind him in one move.
The auror cast a spell to bind the woman from neck to toes in ropes.
"I will have you kissed by a dementor for this!" yelled Umbridge.
"You like using dementors, do you?" asked the auror. "I bet you have access to them, too, don't you?"
"I do and I'll make sure you pay!" She turned to Harry. "I'll make you pay! You think you can damage the reputation of the Ministry of Magic by letting that mongrel, Sirius Black, go free? By turning the Triwizard Tournament into a farce? YOU DARE THINK YOU'LL GET AWAY WITH EMBARRASSING ME LIKE YOU DID AT THE YULE BALL? You'll be the next to be kissed! I sent dementors here to apprehend Sirius Black! As is my right!" she shrieked.
Jean Claude stomped up to Umbridge. "You admit you sent dementors to my home? You are the one who will be put to death. Take her to the holding cells. She has already admitted to sending these monsters here tonight. If not for the actions of my future son-in-law, Harry Potter, we could have all been kissed!" he said, his voice booming around the room.
"This travesty of justice will not stand in France. If the United Kingdom has chosen to attack our country by attacking the home and family of the Minister for Magic of France, we will see this answered for at the ICW. You will be taken to them tomorrow. Take her." Jean Claude sounded scornful and powerful. The aurors whisked her from the room while she ranted and made a fool of herself.
Jean Claude turned to Harry just in time to see Harry's eyes roll back in his head when he fainted, the last of his energy gone now that the last threat was gone from the room.
Jean Claude floated Harry hurriedly from the room, his fretting ladies and their mothers hot on his heels. Quiet whispering overtook the crowd.
The only person who never stopped moving was the photographer. He took so many pictures he could create a flipbook motion picture of everything that happened, including the moment when Harry Potter fainted at the doors of the ballroom.
Harry woke with a woozy feeling. His head ached and he felt like he would vomit if he moved.
"Drink this, Harry," said a voice Harry implicitly trusted. He opened his mouth and swallowed. His headache and nausea instantly felt better. He still felt a bit of vertigo for a moment before the world came into focus when someone gently slipped his glasses over his face.
Harry could suddenly see Hermione and Gabrielle's worried faces. He smiled. He knew he was safe.
"Are you alright?" asked a worried Hermione.
"You've been asleep for two days, mon ami," said a scared looking Gabrielle. Harry could see now that the girls were no longer in their horrid state. He sat up quickly, wincing as his head twinged once more. Hermione handed him another potion. Harry swallowed it and steam shot out his ears. Harry turned to Hermione and Gabrielle.
"Are you alright? What happened to you?" Harry asked, urgently.
"To us? Harry, you've been unconscious for two days!" said Gabrielle, exasperatedly.
"You were magically exhausted," said Hermione. She stood and went to the door.
"He's awake. Can someone get the healer?" asked Hermione.
"I don't need a healer," said Harry, quickly. No one listened to him.
Soon a slew of people came streaming into and out of the room quickly, just wanting to check on Harry personally. Harry welcomed his family, especially when Dan and Emma came, bearing the twins. They happily sang, "DaDaDaDaDa," as they cuddled him. He didn't want to let them go. The girls got on either side of the babies. They cuddled the babies and their father, helping the still recovering boy hold his sons.
The healer quickly checked Harry over and cleared him. He was in good health. The Healer's only advice was to try to refrain from using too much magic for the next few days. Harry happily agreed just to be allowed to get out of bed.
Mad-Eye was standing at the door, guarding it himself. He regretted passing on that stupid party to the depths of his bones. Mad-Eye was damn proud of the boy but he also wasn't planning to waste any time in hiring additional security. This kid was a danger magnet. Mad-Eye wanted in. The kid managed to take down four dementors with nary a casualty. All of the injuries were caused by the stampede.
"You did good, Potter," said the man, nodding his head at Harry. Harry looked confused for a moment then he remembered.
"Oh, bugger. I bet there's pictures!" Harry groaned.
Mad-Eye laughed. "All over the papers."
Harry groaned again. "I changed my mind. I'm staying in bed."
"You can't. Papa is waiting for you," said Gabrielle. Jean Claude had been gone for the last few days at the ICW. He demanded action after the government of the United Kingdom attacked the government of France by attacking their Minister with dementors.
Harry looked chagrined but followed Gabrielle and Hermione out of the room, with Julius in his arms. Hermione carried Jameson while Gabrielle led the way.
They arrived in Jean Claude's study. The man quickly stood and came over to Harry.
"Are you alright, son?" the man asked. Harry felt shocked to hear the man call him that. Jean Claude took his silence as bad news.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, worriedly.
"No," Harry answered. "I'm right as rain, Jean Claude."
"Call me Papa when we're alone like this. Father or Jean Claude will do in public," said Jean Claude, negligently. Harry's eyes filled with tears. He couldn't speak. He just nodded and took a seat.
"You're a national hero, Harry. The leaders and elite of our nation were all present. They all feel you saved their lives. There are calls for a Hecate's Flame award for you," said Jean Claude.
"I don't know what that is but please, don't. I was only trying to protect my family. I couldn't let those things near any of you. I couldn't let that monster eat that child's soul," said Harry, quietly. "I don't want anyone to make a fuss. Let's just forget it and move on."
"I'm sorry, Harry. That opportunity has passed. The photographer present published his photographs in the papers. He wants permission to publish this photograph, as well," said Jean Claude.
He handed the photograph of the laughing twins reaching for their magical bubbles at the lunch where Harry proposed. That felt like hours ago, not days.
"No," Harry said, immediately. "I don't want my children in the press."
"If you hide them away, the press will just be encouraged to chase after pictures of them. It's best to give the public controlled access instead of no access," said Jean Claude. "Your fame is even more now, Harry. You must understand, your children will always be a part of that. Just as my children are a part of that."
Harry looked at Jean Claude, thinking about his guidance.
"You've already done this once, Harry," reminded Hermione.
"Plus, this is a magical picture and a rare moment captured on film. It is not often a photographer just so happens to be present during a child's first magical experience," said Gabrielle, gently.
Harry sighed. "I guess it is an amazing picture."
"Bon, we will publish it with our family picture from the night of the party. It was a dashing photo even if the night had a terrible end," said Jean Claude.
"Why did she try to kidnap me?" asked Harry, confused. "I barely know who she is."
"Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, Dolores Umbridge. Supposedly she acted without the consent of her Minister but I know that is not the truth. I had her secretly questioned under veritaserum. She was going to capture you and have you kissed for tarnishing Cornelius Fudge's reputation and for embarrassing her at the Yule Ball. Fudge suggested to her that dementors might solve a problem like you then left the control medallion with the woman. She was found with it around her neck. She intended for as many people as possible to be kissed. She felt they deserved it for celebrating the abomination of the marriage of a wizard to a creature," said Jean Claude angrily.
"I didn't do anything to her at the Yule Ball! She was going to kill people because of me?" asked Harry, stricken. This was all his fault.
"This is not your fault," said Jean Claude, sternly. "Look at me. This woman has already been tried and sentenced. She plead guilty in exchange for life in prison in Sweden. She swore she would never turn on her precious Cornelius Fudge. The United Kingdom is in the doghouse with the ICW and with France. We will not forget this slight."
Harry still looked guilty. Jean Claude sighed.
"Harry, these people are grown adults with full control over their faculties. Did you have her under an imperius curse?" asked Jean Claude. Harry's head jerked up.
"No! I didn't! I swear it!" said Harry, panicked.
"I did not think you did. I just wanted you to realize you were not in control of her actions. She was and she will pay the price. A less harsh price than I hoped for but she will not be released. No one in Nurmengard is ever released," said Jean Claude. Entering that castle was a one way ticket. You could never leave.
Harry looked satisfied at that news. He'd rather that the vile person who threatened his family was dead but he'd settled for imprisoned forever.
"Good," Harry said. Jean Claude looked at Harry for a moment.
"One good thing did come out of this," said Jean Claude.
"What?" asked Harry.
"Your application for asylum has been approved. Everyone agrees you would be an asset to our nation. Everyone agrees you are under threat from the government of the United Kingdom. A vote will be held tomorrow morning to determine if your houses will be recognized in France. I expect it will go through. You should be aware, I am going to accept the recommendation to present you with the Hecate's Flame. You deserve to be recognized for your accomplishments. You saved lives, Harry. You protected everyone," said Jean Claude.
"I'm just really good at that charm. My mum was good with charms. Maybe that's where I get it from," said Harry, pushing the accolades off on someone else again.
Jean Claude shook his head. He gave up for now but he would see this boy recognized. Jean Claude slid the other pictures over. Harry looked in horror as the image of Harry casting his patronus was captured in nauseating detail. The dementors were torn to shreds under its feet but the part that horrified Harry was the sight of himself standing protectively in front of everyone in the party with his arm raised and an intense look on his face. He cast the magic with every ounce of his might and everyone could see it.
Harry felt exposed. He didn't see ferocity. He saw the truth. He saw desperation and terror. Harry literally groaned when he saw the picture of him whipping his cloak around to deflect the portkey meant for him. He looked ridiculous whirling around like that. He looked even more pathetic in the photographs of him fainting.
"Did people see this one, too?" he whinged when he held up the picture of himself collapsed into Hermione and Gabrielle's arms.
"The public needs to see that heroes pay a price for their noble actions," said Jean Claude. He thought it was the best picture of the bunch for Harry's public image. He said so.
Harry didn't say anything. He just pushed the pictures away.
"I only want these," he said. He took the pictures of his boys and their bubbles and the picture of the entire family group all together.
"We have more family pictures for later, mon ami," said Gabrielle, consolingly.
"Good. I want to start an album for my lads. They deserve to remember their family," said Harry. The girls put their hands on him, lending support.
"We will be with you, Harry," reassured Jean Claude. Harry nodded but didn't reply.
"Be ready to attend the Ministry hearing with me tomorrow morning at 7am sharp. We want to arrive early," said Jean Claude.
Harry winced he didn't want to go to some Ministry thing. He just wanted to go get his lads' room ready in their new home. Harry was certain now. His boys were staying here.
Harry came down to breakfast, everyone was seated around the table, dressed in nice clothes, waiting to go. At Jean Claude's insistence, they were all wearing their basilisk hide robes. He wanted to show a united front but he also wanted to make sure everyone was protected. They looked ready to do battle.
"What are you all doing so dressed up?" asked Harry as he sat down and blew a zerbert on his lads' cheeks. The boys giggled and reached forwards. At almost four months, they could sit up pretty good with help.
"We're coming with you to watch you receive your Hecate's Flame," said a grinning Dan. Dan couldn't see those demons on New Year's Eve but he could feel them. He'd never felt anything more terrifying in his life. If those pictures were to be believed, Dan had every reason to be afraid.
"What? I didn't think that was a done deal," said Harry, with a little bit of whinging. He hated having his picture in the papers.
"The vote is a formality," admitted Jean Claude. Harry made a face, his lads giggled again.
"Where did the Weasleys go?" asked Harry, trying to change the subject.
"They had to go home. Molly fretted about leaving you but she left Ron home alone and Ginny in the hospital. We told them to go. We promised you'd write soon," said Emma.
"I'll write to the twins tonight," said Harry.
Soon enough, they were all ready to head on their way to the French Ministry of Magic. They arrived in the Minister's Chambers through his private floo. Mad-Eye insisted on going through first. He was taking things very seriously. He had interviews with his top four picks and two French aurors Jean Claude recommended for the rest of Harry's security team. Tonks had been begging nonstop for one of the spots. Mad-Eye wouldn't budge. All he agreed to was an interview. He knew Kingsley Shacklebolt, Martin Skully, and Angus Proudfoot were interested in leaving the Ministry behind them. The place was a pit.
If they'd agree to move to France, Mad-Eye would work things out for them. He had no doubt that Jean Claude would do anything he could to protect Harry. Four of the security team would stay behind to guard Harry's new home while two would follow him back to Hogwarts. Mad-Eye and Kingsley planned to stick to Potter like glue.
The group made their way into the French Wizengamot. Everyone took their seats in the visitor's section except for Harry.
Everyone wanted to come over and speak with Harry about his accomplishment. Some people wanted to thank him for saving their lives, which he denied. Some people wanted to bask in the reflected glory by showing Harry their support now. Harry wanted to run away but he tried to emulate Jean Claude instead. He didn't want to embarrass the man. Jean Claude nodded in approval.
Soon, everyone took their seats.
"Sit here in the front row, Harry," Jean Claude said.
Harry took his seat. Jean Claude moved to the center of the room. The Grand Sorcerer who acted as the emcee for these meetings and as neutral judge during discussions, was glad to open the meeting before turning the floor over to Jean Claude.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot. It is my joy to stand here today and present to you a petition that brings joy to my heart. A petition to provide the Hecate's Flame award to Lord Harry Potter Black Gryffindor Slytherin Peverell was signed by all 226 people present at the Minister's Residence on December 31, 1994. Each and everyone of those people's lives were saved by the nominee, including my own. I present for the vote of the Wizengamot, the nomination of Lord Harry James Potter Black Slytherin Gryffindor Peverell."
Jean Claude said. People all over the room started clapping. They stood and clapped even louder. Harry wanted to sink through the floor. He tried not to stare at his shoes.
"We will also vote today on another issue involving Lord Potter Black Slytherin Gryffindor Peverell. We will vote on the recognition of his houses in France. He deserves to have his houses recognized in his new country as they were in his old. We are certainly better able to recognize the importance of a magical legacy than the United Kingdom," said Jean Claude, derisively.
The crowd cheered both for Harry and for Jean Claude's words.
"Please, join me in a vote," said Jean Claude. He cast his vote, shooting a spell of yes on both issues. The tally board registered his vote before the deluge started.
Harry watched in awe as the yay sides of the board filled up much faster than the nays. Soon, the voting began to slow. Harry had already won by such a large margin that there was no doubt of the outcome.
The voting finally stopped.
"The yays have it! We will award Lord Potter Black Slytherin Gryffindor Peverell with the Hecate's Flame and will recognize his houses in France. France appreciates the noble actions of those who put the lives of others before the life of themselves. Lord Potter Black Slytherin Gryffindor Peverell, please join me on the floor," said Jean Claude.
Jean Claude's assistant approached with a large velvet box. Jean Claude accepted it while everyone clapped wildly for Harry as he descended to the floor with a blush on his face.
Harry stood beside Jean Claude.
"It is my pleasure to call you family, Lord Potter. Please, accept this award on behalf of the people of France," said Jean Claude. He pulled the velvet box off of the stand. It was a gorgeous statue of the goddess Hecate holding a living flame. She had two dogs at her feet and a set of golden keys in her other hand and a pair of snakes draped around her neck. Harry accepted the award and everyone clapped and shouted their approval once again. The press took a mass of photographs while Harry and Jean Claude shook hands.
"Thank you for your service, Lord Potter," said Jean Claude.
Harry accepted the velvet box and went to his seat. He gently put the box back on top and sat stiffly until the long meeting was finally over.
Hermione and Gabrielle, along with everyone else in the entire room, descended on Harry. Harry had another two hour long handshaking event. Everyone wanted their picture taken with Harry and his award. Harry wanted to run away but the girls whispered it would be rude if he left. Harry grinned and bore it until he was finally allowed to escape.
Finally, they made their way to Jean Claude's office where the next hour was spent filling out the paperwork to recognize Harry's houses and getting them properly ratified, signed, and stamped approved.
It all got done and Harry was allowed to leave. He practically ran through the floo to escape the French Ministry. No matter the location, Harry never liked spending time in government buildings.
The next morning, everyone was happy and ready to leave France for the Granger home in Crawley. Thanks to Harry's travel trunk, they had plenty of room for everyone to stay with them for two days.
For once, nothing untoward happened during the party. A few people were judgemental about Hermione marrying so young and for marrying two people instead of one person but none of Harry's group cared about that. The baby boys were a hit with everyone, despite Harry's young age as a father. It was a peaceful weekend, which Harry greatly appreciated after the endless excitement that his life had become since entering the magical world.